
          Royal Gardens,
Kew. Octr. [October] 31.

My dear Dr. Torrey

So irregular have been the movements 
of the packets lately on account
the stormy season & head-winds,
that I know not whether you have
yet any letter from me announcing
the visit of my daughter & her husband
to New York, en route for Canada.
I am sure you will be kindly
pleased to see them, though I fear
their stay in your city will be very
short. I wish I could take a look
in upon you at such a time, but
that must not be, though I should
exceedingly enjoy a little botanical
& other chat with you. Now
that you have California in your
Union, as well as Texas, what an
extended field you will have for 
botanical researches. We must look
for much from you. If Mrs. McGilvray 
has left N. [New] York, kindly forward
the enclosed to her. Your ever,
affectionate friend, W. J. Hooker.

        